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Paintings

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Paintings

Object Type:

Painting

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Object Description

Images depicting the allegory of art were traditionally used to classify painting as one of the liberal arts. A woman, usually idealized, personifies Pictura (Painting) and holds objects vital to artistic creation. In her left hand she holds a palette, brushes, and a small plaster sculpture that served as a model for larger works. Around her neck she wears a mask on a chain, which may refer to art's ability to deceive through the art of illusion.

Frans van Mieris the Elder adopted the antique model of Pictura but updated it for his time. The model is not classically beautiful or idealized; she is an average young woman observed from everyday Dutch life.

Van Mieris the Elder was Gerrit Dou's most promising student in the school of fijnschilders (fine painters) in Leiden in the 1600s. The highly finished quality of this painting is an excellent example of this style of painting.

Lairesse, Gérard de. The Art of Painting, in All its Branches, Methodically Demonstrated by Discourses and Plates, and Exemplified by Remarks on the Paintings of the Best Masters [...]. John Frederick Fritsch, trans. 2 vols. (London: S. Vandenbergh, 1778), vol. 1, p. 100.

Christie, Manson & Woods, London. Catalogue of the Choice Collection of Ancient & Modern Pictures, of the Rev. John Lucy, Deceased, also the Very Choice and Well-Known Bredel Collection of Ancient and Modern Pictures, Formed many Years ago, with profound Judgment and most refine Taste, by the late Charles Bredel, Esq., who died in 1851 [...] (London: Christie, Manson & Woods, 1875), p. 21, lot 118.

Christie, Manson & Woods, London. Catalogue of Ancient and Modern Pictures and Drawings, the Property of the Rt. Hon. Lord Revelstoke, P.C., G.C.V.O. deceased; late of 3 Carlton House Terrace, S.W.1; the property of Sydney Morse, Esq. deceased, late of 14 Arlie Gardens, W.1; and from other sources. July 26, 1929, p. 12, lot 65.